Weight Loss Success Stories

In their own words...

Video: Christian's Story

Christian was unhappy because she couldn't lose weight. Today, she has a new look and a new outlook. With continued support of the experts at UC San Diego Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, Christian took the weight off for her daughter and for herself.

Video: Fred's Story

Before weight-loss surgery, Fred Jaeger had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain and acid reflux. It was obvious to Fred he needed to do something. Today, Fred feels better than he did when he was 18.

Video: Willie's Story

Willie DePascale underwent gastric banding surgery after he had a heart attack at age 43.

Video: Non Surgical Weight Loss Program

The Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Management Program at UC San Diego Health System is giving patients the tools to shed pounds safely without surgery. Learn more about this program that focuses on behavior modification and integrative therapies and how it helped one patient get on the lung transplant list.

When I finally realized that my diabetes was controlling me, I decided to enroll in UC San Diego Health System’s medically supervised weight-loss program. Now I am in the maintenance phase of the program and feel better, can exercise more, take less medication and I know that I am in control of my diabetes now. It’s empowering!Mary Kay C.

After four months on the program, I felt like a deflating balloon. My blood pressure meds were cut in half and then cut again two weeks later. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to stop them altogether. I haven’t lost as much weight as I had expected, but I can’t complain. I’m sure I would lose faster if I was able to exercise more. My arthritis prevents me from working out as much as I should, but since I started working out I feel much better. It feels good to be able to jump, kick and twist!!Anonymous

The UC San Diego Health System Weight Management Program is, without a doubt, my best hope of bringing my weight down and getting it under control for good. The medical care is superior and Dr. Grunvald is an excellent doctor. They have a devoted and caring nurse, a knowledgeable health educator and a pleasant and efficient administrative staff. I have tried many methods and programs and this is the best. I have lost almost 25 pounds and it has been relatively painless. I believe my health is being monitored closely by my program doctor. I am feeling better than I have in a decade!Anonymous

After hip replacement surgery, I stopped exercising and gained over 40 pounds. I looked and felt bad, so I joined the program to help me get down to a weight that I could exercise at. I did, and now I ride my bike over 50 miles every week and I’ve lost 40 pounds.Vic E.

I started the program in January after I got scared and backed out of having gastric sleeve surgery. I was at the end of my rope, having exhausted all options when I discovered this medically supervised weight management program. This program will definitely work if you follow it closely. I lost over 35 pounds in the first phase (13 weeks) and I’m committed to losing the rest, and more importantly, keeping it off this time.

By oing to weekly support group classes with access to a great medical team, I’ve been able to stay focused and keep losing the weight. I’ve been able to stop two of my heart medications and my health has improved greatly. I’ve regained my focus on eating healthfully and walking on a daily basis. I’m holding myself accountable for what goes in my mouth and I have control that I’ve never been able to sustain before.Donna

I have greatly benefitted from the UC San Diego Health System Weight Management Program. I have a history of diabetes and high blood pressure and took medications for several years. Since I have been on the program, I no longer need the medications and have overcome many weight-related health problems. The Weight Management Program staff is knowledgeable and informative. They have continued to be very helpful and supportive during my weight-loss journey.Anonymous

I started the HMR program at UC San Diego Health System Weight Management Program as an alternative to surgery that my primary care physician mentioned. In a similar program, I had previously lost a lot of weight but what has made the UC San Diego Health System program different is the maintenance phase, which is dedicated to helping you learn how to maintain your weight loss through lifestyle adjustments. This is what has stopped me continuing my usual yo-yo weight-loss pattern.

At the beginning of the program, I was on five prescription drugs including one that was injectable. I still take two pills a day but each is only one-fourth of the original dose. The other two drugs and my injections are now vague memories – and so are the co-pays I was paying for them! Of course, the money I’ve saved on co-pays has been put into fabulous new clothes!Anonymous

I came to the UC San Diego Health System Weight Management Program almost by accident. While having a physical at Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, I was informed that I had suffered a heart attack while recovering from a bout of pancreatitis.

Having gained over 50 pounds, I knew some drastic changes would have to take place in order for me to live a long and healthy life. After completing Phase I of the program (13 weeks), I have lost close to 40 pounds and I feel better, physically and emotionally. I’ve also learned that by making some important changes to my food choices and portion sizes that you do not have to stop enjoying the experience of eating in order to lose weight and maintain it.

I can’t say enough about my experience and the staff of the Weight Management Program. They have worked out a system and if you follow it with a proper exercise regimen, you will experience a life with greater energy, emotional balance and the added benefit of feeling and looking great!

I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to the UC San Diego Health System staff for helping me save my life!Bill S.